February 5, 2026

Greetings!

This newsletter has no shortage of meaningful events to announce. There has never been a higher calling to get involved, be heard and stay informed. There are many actions to consider, none more important than protecting our democracy. SWWAP urges a vote in EVERY election. (Be aware that Tuesday, February 17, is Spring Primary Election Day for local races and the Dane County Circuit Court.)

This newsletter also shares information on how you can directly help Minnesota endure it's ICE occupation. There's also a powerful video and even information for progressive knitters. ➡️ FORWARD TOGETHER!

SWWAP does not have membership fees, and we try to keep fundraising pleas at a minimum. If you are able to help out and donate to SWWAP, you can contribute with the link below. THANK YOU!

THIS WEEKEND'S SWWAP

PROGRESSIVE EVENTS

MOUNT HOREB POP-UP RALLY

TOMORROW FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 6, 3 PM

AT LIBERTY PARK

Our powerful sign brigade will once again line Springdale Street in Mount Horeb on Friday, February 6, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. We will meet at Liberty Park, located at 1201 Cox Drive. This action is driven by the recent murder of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, gunned down by ICE thugs in Minneapolis. It is driven by the countless acts of violence against "we the people" perpetrated by the Trump regime. It is driven by the lack of due process and acts of brutal barbarism. It is driven by the use of secret police, and by the inhumanity and immorality which have been brought to bear.

We encourage folks to bring signs that memorialize Renee and Alex. We ask that you display your signs before or after the rows of featured signs. Please dress for the weather and bring to this peaceful assembly your resolve to resist fascism in all of its forms.

LUNCH AND MEET AND GREET

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

IN RIDGEWAY WI

On Saturday, February 7th the Iowa County Democratic Party will be holding a charity potluck fundraiser at the Ridgeway Community Center to benefit the Ridgeway Public Library and the Bona Dea Project and the Ridgeway Volunteer Library. The potluck will serve chili (both meat and vegetarian), pulled pork sliders, cornbread, chocolate brownies and a hot drink. Suggested donation is $10, or pay as you are able. The potluck will run from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., and the address is 208 Jarvis St. in Ridgeway. Come join us and lend a hand to benefit these worthwhile charities!

Many who have attended SWWAP events have heard Ben Gruber speak. Ben has announced his candidacy for the District 51 Assembly race. He too has chosen to kick off his campaign in Ridgeway on February 7, 208 Jarvis St. in Ridgeway. So, why not enjoy a great lunch courtesy of our friends in Iowa County, and meet a candidate for Wisconsin legislature.

Ben writes, We’d love to have you join us at our community campaign launch event FEBRUARY 7th in Ridgeway, at the Ridgeway Community Center. We have some friends and volunteers who will be providing a “pay what you can” lunch, with proceeds going to local Ridgeway community charities. We will start at noon, and end at 2:00pm. If you can get there early you can catch the first Ridgeway Winter Market of the season at the Community Center from 10 am to Noon!

WHEN:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2 PM

WHERE:

West Main Street

Near PREMIER CO-OP

Concerned citizens will unite on Valentine Day in a L💜ve Fest for democracy. We will meet near the Mount Horeb Premier Co-op with signs of fascism on display. Bring your signs, or we will have themed signs. We will again peacefully assemble out of a deep and abinding love of country and concern for the forces which threaten civil rights and liberties.

A good place to read local candidate Q & A is the Mount Horeb Mail. Currently you can get issues of the paper at the Mt. Horeb Kwik Trip or Walgreens. The paper is available online or by subscription, https://mounthorebmail.com/.

Check to see what will be on your ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot. Contact your municipal clerk for early in-person voting hours. Absentee ballots can be obtained at myvote.wi.gov or by request to your specific municipal clerk. Request must be received by your municipal clerk noo later than 5:00 pm on February 12.

WHEN:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 6 PM

WHERE:

Brix Cider🍎

119 S. Second Street, MoHo

Join us on February 22, for an evening filled with vital perspectives during these peculiar times we navigate together. This gathering promises not just music and fellowship, but a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared experiences and the resilience that binds our community. This is not just an event; it's a celebration of our collective strength and a chance to reinforce the ties that unite us.

Rev. David Couper, retired Madison Police Chief, priest, poet, pundit and social activist, will deepen our understanding of resistance and how law enforcement must serve to deescalate, not partner in ICE's unlawful thuggery. David and others will share their perspectives on ICE and how to resist the deeply disturbing chaos occurring in other parts of our country.

Dan Zimmerman, will speak on behalf of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition, a project of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, in partnership with Voces de la Frontera and Centro Hispano of Madison. And yes, live music will again be part of this Reimagining Resistance event.

SWWAP is committed to Standing With the People of Minnesota Until ICE is Out. This week we highlight 
Grocery Relief

for Hispanic Families in MN. 

Following is a description which comes directly from a Twin Cities resident who helps deliver groceries through Grocery Relief for Hispanic Families in MN.

“Today’s efforts were as grassroots and local as it gets. My neighbors banding together to help our neighborhood leader as she gets calls from neighbors, American families/citizens unable to leave their homes to work or shop out of fear. Today we drove to various churches loading up on food and delivering food to them. My spouse also went to the store to buy personal items churches and food banks don’t have. This is all “on the fly”, while we connect these people to appropriate resources.”

As you read this, and consider how you can help, please think long-term. Not everyone will have the resources to donate every week. But we ALL have the capacity to share this information with our own connections. 

Please donate to Grocery Relief for Hispanic Families in MN if you are able. Either way, please copy/paste and share this information with your own network of friends and family. Let us let Minnesota know we hear her voice by acting to support her now, in her time of greatest need.

KNITTERS UNITE

MELT ICE HAT PATTERN AND YARN

AVAILABLE AT SUGAR RIVER YARNS LOCATED AT 
109 E MAIN STREET, MOUNT HOREB, WI

We close this newsletter with a new song written and performed by our good friend Tom Kastle. It speaks to the tragic ICE action in Minneapolis and righteous resistance to fascism. Tom has performed often at SWWAP sponsored events. Click HERE to hear Tom performing Joe Hill Alive As You and Me at the Mt. Horeb's historic old schoolhouse.

Contributions to SWWAP are appreciated but not tax deductible.